PPT: a COTS integration case study

T. Rowe Price Investment Technologies built the Product and Project Tracking System (PPT) to reduce the human resources needed to track and forecast information technology projects. Instead of developing or purchasing a new system, the need was met by integrating commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products already used and licensed by the company. The conclusion can be made that this approach reduces development costs while providing more flexibility than a single vendor solution. The paper describes the process used and issues encountered in building a system from software products generally intended for stand-alone applications. It discusses the rationale behind the system, the choice of products, the software engineering process used, the handling of changes, and modifications made in business practice. A discussion is conducted on the initial return on investment and ongoing support requirements.